What is the reality? SATELLITE OFFICE took a look:

On May 23, 2024, the Federal Republic of Germany celebrates 75 years of the Basic Law. Article 3 paragraph 2 was adopted in 1949, marking a milestone in German history: “Men and women shall have equal rights.”

But how far has Germany really come in terms of equal rights? What has the Basic Law achieved for women and what challenges remain?

The “Mothers of the Basic Law” and their fight for equality

Four women – Elisabeth Selbert, Helene Weber, Friederike Nadig and Helene Wessel – played a central role in anchoring equal rights in the Basic Law. They stood up to resistance and hostility and fought tirelessly for women’s rights.

Achievements and progress

Thanks to the Basic Law, women in Germany have made enormous progress over the past 75 years. They have gained access to education and employment, can live self-determined lives and are free to organize their families. The VdU (Association of German Women Entrepreneurs) promotes the development and manifestation of women in leadership roles.

Discrimination and gender-based violence: still a bitter reality

Despite all the progress made, equality between men and women is still a long way from being achieved. Women are still disadvantaged in many areas of life:

• Salary gap: On average, women earn 18 percent less than men.
• Underrepresentation in management positions: Women are still significantly underrepresented at the top levels of business and politics.
• Violence against women: Every third woman in Germany has experienced violence by men since the age of 15.

What can be done?

There is still a lot to be done to achieve equal rights for women in Germany.

• Targeted promotion of women in all areas of life
• Combating stereotypes and role clichés
• Expansion of childcare services for children

Strengthening legal protection for women against violence What can you do?

• Find out about the situation of women in Germany and worldwide.
• Take a stand against sexism and discrimination.
• Support organizations like the VdU that stand up for women’s rights.
• Become active in politics or other organizations to promote gender equality.

Together we can create a society in which all people have equal rights!

Conclusion

75 years after the Basic Law was passed, it is time to take stock and discuss the next steps for equal rights for women in Germany.

Let’s work together to create a society in which women and men are truly equal!

The enshrinement of equal rights in the Basic Law was an important milestone on the way to a fairer society. However, it is important to to remind people that equality between women and men is still a long way from being achieved.

Everyone must continue to work hard to eliminate discrimination against women and create a society in which all people have equal opportunities.

Further information:

https://www.bpb.de/themen/europa/polen-analysen/264683/frauenrechte

https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/75-jahre-grundgesetz/gleichberechtigung-grundgesetz -2262564

https://www.bmfsfj.de/bmfsfj/service/publikationen/muetter-des-grundgesetzes-80456

https://www.bundestag.de/gg

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%BCtter_des_Grundgesetzeshttps://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/75-jahre-grundgesetz/demokratiefest-75-jahre-grundgesetz-2257858